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Hot Rods '63 Rambler Classic 550

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Greenblade, Oct 10, 2020.

  1. rusty rocket
    Joined: Oct 30, 2011
    Posts: 5,053

    rusty rocket
    Member

    This is what I did for Brooks. He’s going to help on the next because getting the center out from the hoop on the spoke wheel was a real bitch! 48410301-1D81-4DF9-BDC2-08F501935E30.jpeg C7265D7D-75FF-4CAD-8A90-9DB2756E9C4D.jpeg
     
  2. Greenblade
    Joined: Sep 28, 2020
    Posts: 554

    Greenblade
    Member

    Got to welding the exhaust tubing tonight.. didn't get super far but i think i did an ok job. It'll all be painted and under the car so itll all be fine. 20210330_173500.jpg 20210330_192220.jpg 20210330_175128.jpg
    Also settled on a place for the exhaust tip. I think it looks cool. 20210330_185515.jpg 20210330_185522.jpg 20210330_185534.jpg
     
  3. rusty rocket
    Joined: Oct 30, 2011
    Posts: 5,053

    rusty rocket
    Member

    He’s making progress, slowly but it’s still a step forward.
     
    Mark Hinds, Greenblade and loudbang like this.
  4. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    That exhaust exit does look cool. But it is going to get hit with a lot of crud from the tire.
     
  5. rusty rocket
    Joined: Oct 30, 2011
    Posts: 5,053

    rusty rocket
    Member

    It’s stainless so he can wipe it down.;)
     
  6. Greenblade
    Joined: Sep 28, 2020
    Posts: 554

    Greenblade
    Member

    Brought the 350 up to the shop and started cleaning it. We looked up the number on a site and it said it was a 4 bolt z28 302. Wanted to check with y'all. This will be a fun engine! 20210413_180503.jpg 20210413_164653.jpg 20210413_164643.jpg 20210413_164634.jpg
     
  7. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    That casting number also was used for 69 327 2 bolt main Truck & Industrial engines, and also 69 - 80 350 w/ 2 or 4 bolt mains. There is also a date code on the block on the passenger side on the front of the deck (which can be wiped out if the block has been decked before. That date code will tell you the plant it was assembled at, & the date of the assembly.
     
    Last edited: Apr 14, 2021
  8. rusty rocket
    Joined: Oct 30, 2011
    Posts: 5,053

    rusty rocket
    Member

    So I have been pecking away on projects for Brooks car. I got a link to the amc forums and learned I little about their front suspension. The really kool thing about Rambler spindles is they are two pieces, the uprights and the snout for the bearings. So on the amc forums there was a blueprint for a dropped spindle so I made a few out of a piece of 1/2” steel. It pushes each wheel out 1/2” but I don’t think anyone will notice. It drops the front end 1-1/2”. So with a spindle drop the weight of a small block and a bit smaller tire it should be about 3” lower. 9496B5A8-60D6-4532-A482-E8CF35F357CE.jpeg 384D7088-7A1A-473C-8090-9FA58F9FBF54.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2021
    49ratfink, alanp561, Cosmo50 and 5 others like this.
  9. 51504bat
    Joined: May 22, 2010
    Posts: 4,755

    51504bat
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Back in the day we used to use the bolt on Rambler spindles to make trailer axles.
     
  10. Greenblade
    Joined: Sep 28, 2020
    Posts: 554

    Greenblade
    Member

    Also did some cleaning work on the newly shortend driveshaft. 20210427_152108.jpg 20210427_154209.jpg 20210427_154645.jpg Dad also finished one side of the exhaust while I was away. (My daily driver broke down on me and I couldn't get to the shop) I think it looks really good. It'll be even nicer painted. 20210427_155048.jpg 20210427_155116.jpg 20210427_155127.jpg Dad put this Pacer emblem on this valve cover as a joke but I kinda like it. I think I may keep it. 20210427_180229.jpg
     
  11. rusty rocket
    Joined: Oct 30, 2011
    Posts: 5,053

    rusty rocket
    Member

    While building brooks rear wheels I didn’t know the backset it needed so I put the wheels up in the wheel well but wondered how an actual tire would fit. After a bunch of internet tire size searching I decided a 245-60/15 would fit nicely. So I went to our super kool small town tire guy and he ordered a tire and mounted it so I could actually see if it fit in the wheel well. The kool part was he didn’t charge me a dime. I set the car back on the ground to get a good visual and I’m thinking we need to step up to a 245-65/15. That will be another 1-1/2 taller. What’s youalls thoughts? FB863098-3B36-48CC-8073-E57175F652E6.jpeg 58B11809-5727-4F6B-A706-045D3F5651A6.jpeg 356936D6-C07E-4BC4-BA7F-3934195F3DAB.jpeg
     
  12. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    I would agree, and maybe even a 70 series. That's a pretty good sized tire, but in that wheel well it doesn't seem like it.
     
    loudbang and Greenblade like this.
  13. I think a 70 series would work. Remember to take the various ODs into account when calculating overall gear ratio.
     
    Peanut 1959 likes this.
  14. rusty rocket
    Joined: Oct 30, 2011
    Posts: 5,053

    rusty rocket
    Member

    The problem with a 70 on it is the front of the tire is super close to the fender lip. I have one of my 255-70 from my 32 on the other side and it’s just to close.
     
    chryslerfan55, loudbang and Blues4U like this.
  15. 255/70 is a HUGE tire for that car... approx 10" wide X 31" high. I'd think a 235/70 in back and a 215/70 in front would work fine.
     
    pivir123 likes this.
  16. Greenblade
    Joined: Sep 28, 2020
    Posts: 554

    Greenblade
    Member

    Updates:
    Started working on a custom center console. I think it's looking good so far. 20210511_191031.jpg 20210511_191054.jpg also painted one of the truck arms. We put in a new bushing as well. 20210511_191107.jpg as a side project I got some patches to make a cool hot rod jacket. 20210511_192740.jpg 642549196.jpg Dad sandblasted the exhaust manifolds. Ready for some paint.
     
  17. loudbang
    Joined: Jul 23, 2013
    Posts: 40,276

    loudbang
    Member

    Great to see you included the Stars and Stripes on you fancy new jacket. :)
     
    Greenblade likes this.
  18. farna
    Joined: Jul 8, 2005
    Posts: 1,282

    farna
    Member

    Except for the raised part at the front (just under dash... for gauges?) it looks very much like the factory console. Looking good so far!
     
    pivir123, Greenblade and loudbang like this.
  19. blowby
    Joined: Dec 27, 2012
    Posts: 8,661

    blowby
    Member
    from Nicasio Ca

  20. Greenblade
    Joined: Sep 28, 2020
    Posts: 554

    Greenblade
    Member

    Yep, the raised part is for gauges.
     
  21. Greenblade
    Joined: Sep 28, 2020
    Posts: 554

    Greenblade
    Member

    Thank you!
     
    loudbang and chryslerfan55 like this.
  22. Those reversed rear wheels look great guys.
     
  23. Lookin' good!
     
    loudbang and Greenblade like this.
  24. Greenblade
    Joined: Sep 28, 2020
    Posts: 554

    Greenblade
    Member

    Took apart the rear end. the innards are trash. 20210518_201638.jpg 20210518_201719.jpg 20210518_201730.jpg 20210518_201743.jpg 20210518_201753.jpg 20210518_201806.jpg 20210518_201824.jpg
     
    chryslerfan55, Blues4U and loudbang like this.
  25. Greenblade
    Joined: Sep 28, 2020
    Posts: 554

    Greenblade
    Member

    Painted alot today. All of the exhaust should be ready to go in for good now. 20210601_165846.jpg 20210601_165903.jpg 20210601_165909.jpg 20210601_165917.jpg I also worked on cleaning the floor mats. I think they look way better now. 20210112_182242.jpg 20210601_194211.jpg 20210601_194251.jpg upholstered one half of the backseat. I love the Mexican blanket look. 20210601_211611.jpg
     
  26. rusty rocket
    Joined: Oct 30, 2011
    Posts: 5,053

    rusty rocket
    Member

    The gas tank also came out last night, it needs a good cleaning and a small repair. Subframe connectors and suspension crossmember are fully welded in place so we are on track to start putting things in for good.
    Next week Brooks, myself and Brooks’ papa will travel down to Denver to the Tristate swap meet. I’m sure Brooks will find some more kool parts for the Rambler.
     
  27. Hey Rusty, want to do me a favor I need 1 ET 6 x15 front 5 spoke all aluminum wheel has the little ET marking. I have the center cap and lug nuts just need a wheel.
     
    loudbang likes this.
  28. KandN Kustoms
    Joined: Dec 15, 2008
    Posts: 461

    KandN Kustoms
    Member

    Greenblade likes this.
  29. KandN Kustoms
    Joined: Dec 15, 2008
    Posts: 461

    KandN Kustoms
    Member

    Hey man, love this build!
    I'm building a 65 Rambler myself.
    A little idea for your mats..... get them all cleaned up and rub them down with some rubbing alcohol or something similar.
    Then spray it with some Flex Seal spray sealer.
    Worked great on my mats.
     
    Greenblade, loudbang and Blues4U like this.
  30. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    Nice work Brooks! Keep on keepin' on, it's coming together. Gonna be a great car when it's done.
     

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